Comparative Law LLM
Program Purpose
The Master of Law (LLM) program in Comparative Law provides an opportunity for lawyers trained outside the United States to study the laws and legal system of the United States. It seeks to provide a rigorous and intellectually challenging course of study. Consistent with the Aims of a BYU Education, it strives to be spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character building, leading to lifelong learning and service.
Mission and Goals of the J. Reuben Clark Law School
BYU Law Mission Statement
Founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the J. Reuben Clark Law School is an integral part of Brigham Young University and embraces the university's global mission and aims.
BYU Law recognizes the inherent dignity and equality of each individual and welcomes people from the full range of human experience. We are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ and honor His many roles, including healer, peacemaker, mediator, counselor, advocate, lawgiver, and judge. In striving to emulate His example, we seek to be and develop people of integrity who combine faith and intellect in lifelong service to God and neighbor.
As a community, we aim to advance justice, mercy, liberty, opportunity, peace, and the rule of law. To these ends, BYU Law prioritizes inspiring teaching, rigorous study, and influential scholarship in an environment that values diversity, fosters unity, motivates excellence, nurtures leadership, promotes innovation, engenders empathy, and cultivates compassion.
BYU Law Educational Objectives
1) Prepare students for meaningful careers and contributions in the diverse settings of a global legal market by focusing on the key competencies of a legal education grounded in legal theory, enhanced by experiential learning, and enlightened by the laws of God. A BYU legal education will:
- Afford students opportunities to develop leadership, transactional, and litigation skills.
- Equip students with cross-cultural competence, preparing them to engage and communicate effectively across difference.
- Inspire students to acquire and maintain the highest levels of professionalism, civility, and ethics.
- Embrace a whole-building approach, engaging every member of the BYU Law community in developing the professional competencies, character, and diversity of our students' gifts.
2) Develop and facilitate world-class, innovative scholarship, and engage in respectful, civil dialogue that welcomes a diversity of voices and beliefs in an environment of intellectual honesty, academic freedom, and abiding faith.
3) Invite all members of our community to develop a service-oriented mindset and provide opportunities to use legal skills to aid those in need.
4) Instill respect for the U.S. Constitution, human rights, and the rule of law.
Curricular Structure
The Master of Law (LLM) program is a two-semester course of study and requires 24 credit hours for graduation. Students must take Introduction to American Law, Legal Research and Writing, and one required first-year JD course. In addition, LLM students select other courses offered in the JD program, and can earn up to six credit hours by writing a thesis under the supervision of a faculty adviser.
Learning Outcomes
Legal Analysis, Research, and Advocacy
Students will be able to engage in legal analysis, research, and advocacy pertinent to the United States legal system.
Students will demonstrate competency in explaining and applying fundamental principles regarding the law and legal system of the United States.
Evidence of Learning
Assessment Tools
The following tools are used for program assessment:
Learning Outcome 1. Students will understand fundamental principles regarding the law and legal system of the United States.
Direct measures:
a. Evaluation of student performances in Introduction to American Law.
b. Examinations, papers, and evaluations of demonstrated professional skills.
c. Participation in class discussions.
Indirect measures:
a. Alumni Questionnaire.
b. Law School Survey of Student Engagement.
c. Student and peer evaluations of teaching.
d. Annual reports and annual interviews of faculty.
e. Five-year post continuing faculty status reviews of faculty.
f. Placement of graduates.
g. Attrition rates.
h. Periodic accreditation reviews by the American Bar Association and membership reviews by the Association of American Law Schools, which review the curriculum, the quality of instruction, examination answers, and other matters.
i. Periodic academic unit reviews by the University.
Learning Outcome 2. Students will be able to engage in legal analysis, reasoning, and problem solving.
Direct measures:
a. Examinations, papers, and evaluations of demonstrated professional skills.
b. Participation in class discussions.
Indirect measures:
a. Alumni Questionnaire.
b. Law School Survey of Student Engagement.
c. Student and peer evaluations of teaching.
d. Annual reports and annual interviews of faculty.
e. Five-year post continuing faculty status reviews of faculty.
f. Placement of graduates.
g. Attrition rates.
h. Periodic accreditation reviews by the American Bar Association and membership reviews by the Association of American Law Schools, which review the curriculum, the quality of instruction, examination answers, and other matters.
i. Periodic academic unit reviews by the University.
Learning Outcome 3. Students will be able to perform legal research.
Direct measures:
a. Evaluations of student performances in Legal Research and Writing.
b. Papers and evaluations of demonstrated professional skills.
Indirect measures:
a. Alumni Questionnaire.
b. Law School Survey of Student Engagement.
c. LibQual+ Survey regarding the law library.
d. Student and peer evaluations of teaching.
e. Annual reports and annual interviews of faculty.
f. Five-year post continuing faculty status reviews of faculty.
g. Placement of graduates.
h. Attrition rates.
i. Periodic accreditation reviews by the American Bar Association and membership reviews by the Association of American Law Schools, which review the curriculum, the quality of instruction, examination answers, the law library, and other matters.
j. Periodic academic unit reviews by the University.
Learning Outcome 4. Students will be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing regarding legal matters.
Direct measures:
a. Evaluations of student performances in Legal Research and Writing.
b. Examinations, papers, and evaluations of demonstrated professional skills.
c. Participation in class discussions.
Indirect measures:
a. Alumni Questionnaire.
b. Law School Survey of Student Engagement.
c. Student and peer evaluations of teaching.
d. Annual reports and annual interviews of faculty.
e. Five-year post continuing faculty status reviews of faculty.
f. Placement of graduates.
g. Attrition rates.
h. Periodic accreditation reviews by the American Bar Association and membership reviews by the Association of American Law Schools, which review the curriculum, the quality of instruction, examination answers, and other matters.
i. Periodic academic unit reviews by the University.
Learning Outcome 5. Students will have the ability and desire to engage in lifelong learning and service.
Direct measures:
a. Examinations, papers, and evaluations of demonstrated professional skills.
b. Participation in class discussions.
c. Participation in service-learning courses and experiences.
Indirect measures:
a. Alumni Questionnaire.
b. Law School Survey of Student Engagement.
c. Student and peer evaluations of teaching.
d. Annual reports and annual interviews of faculty.
e. Five-year post continuing faculty status reviews of faculty.
f. Placement of graduates.
g. Attrition rates.
h. Periodic accreditation reviews by the American Bar Association and membership reviews by the Association of American Law Schools, which review the curriculum, the quality of instruction, examination answers, and other matters.
i. Periodic academic unit reviews by the University.
Assessment information is collected regularly and retained in the deans' offices, the registrar's office, and the Career Services Office.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
The deans review assessment data as they are reported, and share data with the appropriate Law School committees. The deans and other faculty members refer curricular issues to the Curriculum Committee. In addition, the Curriculum Committee conducts periodic reviews of the curriculum to ensure that it accomplishes the Law School's objectives. Teaching assessment and improvement are addressed in annual interviews and five-year post continuing faculty status reviews of faculty. The Law School prepares extensive self-studies in connection with periodic accreditation reviews by the American Bar Association, membership reviews by the Association of American Law Schools, and academic unit reviews by the University, and the Law School implements recommendations that emerge through those processes. The Law School has more than twenty committees on which faculty members serve, and students serve on some committees. Committees address issues and present proposals to the faculty for consideration and action. The faculty also has annual retreats which address improving learning and teaching.